Longitudinal non-invasive perilymphatic pressure measurement in patients with Ménière's disease

The homeostasis of inner-ear fluids is essential for the functions of hearing and equilibrium. Inner-ear disorders, such as Ménière's disease, are affected by inner-ear pressure. The displacement of the human tympanic membrane can be studied by means of the MMS-10 Tympanic Displacement Analyser (Marchbanks Measurement Systems Ltd., UK) and is thought to be a measure for perilymphatic pressure variations. This measurement was performed in 18 patients with Ménière's disease (20 affected ears) at regular intervals, in order to investigate possible pressure variations in relation to the following symptoms: hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus and pressure sensation. Symptoms changed independently; changes in symptoms were not significantly related to changes in perilymphatic pressure, as measured by means of the MMS-10 analyser.